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Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching

Faith that sees, judges and acts

Formation for schools seeking to place human dignity, the common good and care for creation at the heart of Catholic education.

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The Gospel lived in relationship with others

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40

Catholic Social Teaching draws on Scripture and the Church’s wisdom to help us discern how people should live together, how society should be shaped and how the dignity of every person can be protected.

It is not simply an additional topic. It is a way of seeing the world through the eyes of faith—and responding through informed, hopeful and courageous action.

EducareM offers a comprehensive approach to help schools embed Catholic Social Teaching in ways that support the Religious Education Directory, the Catholic Schools Inspectorate framework and the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.

Principles that belong together

Catholic Social Teaching is a connected body of teaching. These principles illuminate one another and guide reflection, curriculum choices and practical action.

Dignity of the human person

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inalienable worth.

The common good

We seek social conditions in which every person and community can flourish.

Solidarity

We are one human family, responsible for one another across every boundary.

Option for the poor

The needs and voices of people who are poor, vulnerable or marginalised receive particular attention.

Subsidiarity and participation

People should be enabled to contribute to decisions affecting their lives, at the most appropriate level.

Dignity of work

Work serves the person and the common good; workers’ dignity and rights must be respected.

Rights and responsibilities

Human rights are accompanied by duties towards our neighbours, communities and wider world.

Care for creation

Our common home is God’s gift, entrusted to us for present and future generations.

From understanding to confident practice

INSET can support the whole school community to develop a shared language, make purposeful connections and ensure that Catholic Social Teaching is visible in both the taught curriculum and the lived experience of the school.

Senior leadersTeachersSupport staffGovernorsChaplaincy teams
01

Shared understanding

Explore the theological foundations and interconnected principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

02

Curriculum connections

Recognise authentic links across religious education, the wider curriculum and pupils’ formation.

03

Mission in practice

Move beyond isolated activities towards a culture of encounter, discernment, service and action.

04

Leadership and evaluation

Consider how leaders can articulate intent, recognise impact and identify meaningful next steps.

Coherent, visible and lived

Strong provision connects what pupils learn, what the community celebrates and how the school responds to the world. EducareM helps schools bring these dimensions into one coherent Catholic vision.

Formation can be discussed in relation to the context and priorities of individual schools, trusts and dioceses.

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Rooted in Scripture and Church teachingFaith gives the framework for reflection, discernment and action.
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Connected across the curriculumLinks are meaningful, age-appropriate and more than superficial labels.
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Expressed through school lifeMission, relationships, leadership and service embody the teaching.
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Focused on impactPupils grow in knowledge, compassion, agency and commitment to the common good.

Bring Catholic Social Teaching to life

Contact EducareM to discuss INSET for teachers and support staff, or bespoke support for your school, trust or diocese.

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